TRIED & TESTED: 'I tried the affordable hot roller set that promises a bouncy blowout.'

We're all chasing that bouncy blowout right now — the kind that looks like you've just walked out of a salon.

The issue? A Dyson Airwrap, the cult tool for the look, will set you back a casual $849.

And curling irons; I love them, but they often give me curls that scream "pageant hair" rather than "effortlessly chic".

But remember hot rollers? After hearing Leigh Campbell recommend the Anko Hot Roller Set, $40 on You Beauty, I had to try them.

Hot rollers are an old-school classic.

The concept is simple — heat them up, roll them in, wait while they cool.

Minimal effort, maximum potential. Or so they promise…

Read on for my hot roller set review, including my real hot rollers before and after results, and the answers to all your hot roller hair questions.

A comedy of clips: How to use hot rollers.

Yes, this was me sitting in the office with rollers in. Image: Cassandra Green

The Kmart Anko Hair Roller Kit takes about 15 minutes to heat up, and another 15 minutes to put in, depending on how fast you section your hair (and how easily distracted you are by podcasts).

My hair is medium-length and reasonably thick, which means I just get away with one set of rollers.

If your hair is short or fine — you're golden.

Those with very long hair or enough hair for two people will need to either work in stages, buy two sets, or look for a larger hot roller set.

VS Sassoon Classic Multi Curls comes with 20 rollers for $49.95 and includes 10 larger clips alongside traditional hot roller pins.

L-R: Anko 10pc Hot Roller Set, VS Sassoon Classic Multi Curls.

Once the rollers are in, I leave them for around 30 minutes.

This is prime "get ready" time — you can do your makeup, get dressed, maybe question whether or not you're ready to brave that event you're going to?

The rollers are a little hot to the touch going in, but not in a "yikes my scalp" way.

The clips, on the other hand, take some getting used to.

The front roller had a habit of sliding forward like it was trying to make a run for it, so I suggest tying a scarf or bonnet around your head to keep everything in place.

Hot rollers results: Hello, old Hollywood.

The finished product! Look at those wide, soft, defined curls! Image: Cassandra Green.

When I took them out, I swear I heard a faint jazz soundtrack start playing.

The finish was big, bouncy, and expensive-looking, with a kind of Old Hollywood glamour I didn't expect from a $40 purchase.

Because the curls cool inside the rollers, they actually hold all day — a miracle for my hair, which usually gives up halfway through brunch. 

The velvet finish on the rollers meant no snagging, no frizz, and a smooth, glossy look.

The curl was stronger at the ends, but still had lift through the mid-lengths, and I could brush them out for a softer wave without losing shape.

Things I loved.

First up, they're ridiculously easy to use — even if you've never touched a roller in your life.

The heat, roll and go method is hard to beat, and I think the rolling of them is something you can do well on the first go, but perfect over the next couple. 

Also, the finish is polished but approachable — like "I just got a blowout" without needing a hairdresser on speed dial.

It's not overly curly, it's not too straight. It's just right. 

And the style holds. And holds. And holds.

Plus, if you just want some volume in the front of your hair, you can simply pop a hot roller in, drive into work and then take it out when you arrive.

A single roller for the car commute could be the way forward. Image: Supplied

Things I didn't love so much.

With any $40 purchase, you're going to find some compromises; luckily in this case, there weren't many. 

I did notice a slight plastic-y scent while the rollers were heating up, but it didn't transfer to my hair and my hair felt healthy and soft after use. Because the rollers use a low-heat, long-set method, it doesn't fry your ends which is great. 

Another little bugbear is that the clips can leave little crimps where they bend the hair, but a quick pass with a straightener sorts that out.

See the pics here for the 'lil crimps. 

A few little crimps, but nothing you can't straighten out. Image: Supplied.

But are hot rollers good for your hair?

Like any heat tool, hot rollers can cause damage if you don't use a heat protectant — but they're gentler than curling irons or straighteners. 

They never get as hot, and they start cooling the second they're out of the casing.

Why I think hot rollers beat a curling iron.

Curling irons are fast, sure, but they use high heat for a short time, which can be harsher on your strands. 

Hot rollers work more slowly, using lower heat to create volume and curl. And because the hair cools in shape, the style sets like a dream — especially good for hair that normally drops faster than your motivation to go to the gym.

Plus, you roll, clip and go, saving your arms from tiring while you hold the hair around the curling barrel. 

How long to leave them in?

Technically, 15–20 minutes will do it. I go for 20 because I like to get as much hold as possible (and it forces me to finish my eyeliner before I start fussing with my hair).

Make sure they're cool to the touch before removing.

My verdict. 

The before and after speaks for itself. It's a yes from me! Image: Cassandra Green.

For $40, the Kmart hot rollers are an absolute steal.

They heat up fast, they're easy to use, and they give me a blowout that lasts — without the $849 hit to the bank account of the Dyson (which is expensive but also worth it in my opinion). 

If you want glossy, voluminous hair without frying your strands or spending a fortune, these deserve a spot in your bathroom cabinet. Just… maybe keep a scarf handy for runaway rollers.

Image: Cassandra Green.

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